If you attended one or maybe more PGA Tour events in 2025, you more than likely came to your own conclusions of whether or not you were sufficiently entertained and plan to return in the coming year. That’s how we sports consumers make our decision to spend our time and money, right?
Tournament organizers, greatly aided by title sponsors, work hard to evolve and improve the fan experience year over year.
This week, the Tour announced its “Best Of” the season awards, with the WM Phoenix Open claiming “Event of the Year” honors for the sixth time, including the fourth in the last five years.
This award recognizes a tournament that excels in every facet of the event, from fan and player experience to charitable impact and title sponsor integration/activation. The event has been held between Phoenix and Scottsdale since 1932 and moved to its permanent home of TPC Scottsdale in 1987 and is hosted by the non-profit Thunderbirds organization.
“The Thunderbirds take great pride in their relentless push for improvement, which was evident in all aspects of this year’s edition. With a dedicated partner in WM, the WM Phoenix Open continues to showcase what makes the event one that must be experienced on the PGA TOUR calendar.”
A new “Spirit of the PGA TOUR Award,” was revealed acknowledging an inspiring level of commitment to stage an event under unique or challenging circumstances.
In 2025, the “Spirit of the PGA TOUR Award” honored TGR Live (The Genesis Invitational) and the Century Club of San Diego (Farmers Insurance Open) for their collaboration in hosting the relocated The Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego due to the devastating wildfires that significantly impacted the area around The Riviera Country Club and surrounding Los Angeles communities in January.
“The commitment and dedication of both organizations to bring the tournament to life amidst such tragedy was a testament to the hearts of those who help make the PGA TOUR what it is,” added Dennis.
The award for Best Charitable Impact & Integration is the John Deere Classic
As the only annual PGA Tour event in Illinois and the biggest and best professional sporting event in the Quad Cities each year, the John Deere Classic’s influence extends far beyond golf. Through its Birdies for Charity program, the tournament delivered record-breaking charitable results, with $16.9 million donated to 460 deserving charities. Among the highlights of the event’s on-site charitable integration was Carter Henning’s story, a local high school golfer who lost his leg in a snowmobile accident in February. Henning was invited to compete in the pro-am by the tournament and was treated to an unforgettable day alongside past John Deere Classic winners Zach Johnson and Dylan Frittelli.
Other Winners Included:
- Most Fan First Event: RBC Heritage
- Best Special Event: BMW Championship
- Best Title Sponsor Integration: THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
Best Of Award Finalists:
- Event of the Year: The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, John Deere Classic
- Most Fan First Event: Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, Travelers Championship
- Best Special Event: ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic (The Q), Procore Championship (Caddie Challenge)
- Best Charitable Impact & Inclusion: Charles Schwab Challenge, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
- Best Title Sponsor Integration: FedEx St. Jude Championship, 3M Open
